2003 Saab 9-3

I have owned three Convertable Saabs. First was an 89. NEVER had a problem with it. Totaled in an accident w 270K miles on it. Second Saab was 95. 6 cyl and HUGE engine problems from the start. Told by mechanics the 6 cyl engine was a bad one. Traded it in on a 2003. LOVE it and never a problem. Great all season car. Only minor issue is the driving comfort- Not bad but not great.

This car is one of the best I ever owned. It drives like an airplane. I understand now their slogan born as an airplane

I have owned two Saabs - A 2003 / 9-3 and a 1997/ 900s Convertible. I loved them both. Well built, handle great. Excellent pick up for a 4cyclinder turbo. the 900S was a stick the 9-2 is an automatic. Both have been very dependable and I feel an excellent value for what you get. I bought both used - each with about 30K on them. I have owned a great variety of cars ( Bwm - 328i, Infiniti G-35 coupe, mazda mX-6, infiniti - J30, toyota camry, Jeep cherokee laredo, 2 VW passats, VW Jetta - to name just a few...) and have to say that Saab is the only brand that I feel has truly won me over. A great car for the money, basic yet full of extras!

Bought a convertible as a second vehicle. I have a truck, and it was too difficult to take my mother anywhere in because of the difficulty she had getting into it. My sister has a Saab which she is very happy with, which is why I bought this.

Downside is cost of repairing anything, to include buying a new battery. Rented a Kia Forte this summer and could sleep very comfortably in the back seat. Can't say that about the Saab, it's too cramped. I travel on my own a lot, and sometimes want to pull over to close my eyes. As I said, back seat is small, even though I'm only 5'3".

However, it is fun to drive, pickup is great, handles well, and the gas mileage is very good(it's a manual). I would never buy one new, seems very expensive for the size vehicle it is. Buying a 2003 (last year for the old model before GM took over) in 2010 made it an acceptable proposition

There was a service problem with the vehicle that I haven't been able to find out yet. The brake pads were worn and I found that out a month after the purchase. The front struts were shot. Rear right window has problems with internal motor and gears. Doesn't close all the way sometimes. Trunk opens..whenever it feels like it and all the speakers were blown. Odly enough the bass in the radio was at the lowest level and the treble was at the highest which leads me to believe that the seller knew they were blown. Not really the type of things you want when you purchase a car. Oh, and the oil wasn't changed! Ideal thing is to not have to make repairs aside from basic maintenance for about a year. This was not the case. I asked for money back to do the repairs and "Sam's" response was "No, it's called maintenance and you should do it to your car"

The basic car is great. What I did not do was get an independent inspection of it before I bought it. I noticed the car had a rough ride and was loud. I thought these were an easy fix and I bought it.
As soon as I arrived home, (a drive of 500 miles) I took the car to a great mechanic shop and to make along story short. I found major safety and mechanical problems with it. Both front springs were broken, motor mounts broken, major service items needed sorting, electrical problems, new muffler fitted as old one was defaulty & installed incorrectly. In fact I have spent $3000. additional to what I paid which is 1/2 of what I paid for the car. This does not trouble me a great deal but was a bit of a disappointment.
I am really unsure if I would buy a car on Ebay again. I like the car and what I mentioned above is not the "sellers" fault, they sell cars "As-is" and it is like a gamble to any buyer. I should have had an inspection of the car and taken my time. I did fly from Albuquerque to Phoenix to get the car. I may have bought the car anyway.
If there is one issue remaining it is that I bought the car on Feb.10th, and I am still waiting for the title to change the plates to the state where I live. I think the seller is waiting for the paperwork to be sent by Ebay.
Thanks.
CMPotter

This car looks great and drives like a dream that is when its not broken down. Its one thing after another and finding parts in stock is next to impossible. the altnater had to be rebuilt because one couldn't be located in the United States. Car parked as turning the car on the Passenger side airbag exploded without warning and it had not been hit or anything so my insurance wouldn't pay to have it fixed because it hadn't actually been in an accident. (the accident was the airbag going off but insurance didn't see it that way. the explosion broke off every little plastic knob, lever, button in the car. the door handles and interior trim has all faded or peeled off cd changer has been replaced 2times and with factory brand new ones. Window regulator broke while driving sending the glass slamming into the door frame. both headlights went out and at 150.00 per bulb (that is insane for a light bulb if you ask me.) I could go on and on about the problems with this car. parts are never in stock and have to be ordered making the time you are out of commission 2times as long as a normal car. I don't have my car running I don't work and if I can't work I don't get paid and if I don't get paid i can't afford to buy the parts. I have a stack of repair orders and part receipts that would fill the glove box 2 times over. the emblems have faded and Saab wants 50 bucks to replace them. heck that is their advertising symbol they should be happy to give them to you. Heck if I were gonna pay 50 bucks to advertise it wouldn't be the saab emblem I would be buying and putting on my car. Although its a beautiful car to look at and when it is running it's nice to drive I love the heated seats they haven't broken yet (knock on wood) Sorry I just can't give it a thumbs up seems when GM took over they kept the price the same 32grand but then cut corners and didn't buy parts worthy of a 32 thousand car. the quality went way down when GM took over. Before they took over the Saabs were made well and worth the money.

The Saab has always caught my eye; just the sporty appearance and great gas mileage is why I wanted it. The Saab 9.3 is a goooogetter.

I bough a great car from him he was helpful and transaction went down smoothly with no problems thanks to their help and asistance, we got the car as described and his wife did the paperwork and helped us.

Thanks

handles great, excellent fuel at 34mpg
very tight at high speeds and very quiet for a convertible!
shifts smooth, cold a/c. we are buying one for our daughter we like it so much! gorgeous lines on this car, headturner for sure!